Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response
SPHER E TRAI NING OF T RAINERS ( TOT )
T H A I L A N D , O C T OB E R 2 5 - NO V E M B E R 2 , 2 0 0 9
C A LL F OR P AR T I CI PA NT S
REGIONAL COURSE ASIA/ PACIFIC
Venue : Rose Garden Riverside, Km.32, Pet Kasem Road, Sampran, Nakorn Pathom 73110, Thailand http://www.rosegardenriverside.com/ Dates : October 25-November 2 2009 Language : English Organizers: CWS-A/P and Sphere Project Participant Fee: USD 1,250 Deadline for submission of applications: August 31st 2009
B A CK G R OU N D
Asia/Pacific region, one of the world’s most disaster prone areas, faces frequent natural disasters on an annual basis; disasters range from earthquake and floods to cyclones, drought and landslides. Without exception, in case of such disasters, casualties tend to be higher than other countries due to lack of awareness and delayed response. Keeping in view the above-mentioned disasters at Asia Pacific, Church World ServiceAsia/Pacific aims to ensure that all relevant agencies are given the opportunity to build their awareness and practice in relation to Sphere Minimum Standards, so that their work is representative of recognized “best practice” in humanitarian work. While working in the field of capacity development through disaster relief and preparedness, and social development to provide relief assistance, CWS-Asia/Pacific has observed that many humanitarian organizations lack expertise to ensure quality and accountability in disaster response. It is strongly proposed that the standardization of humanitarian interventions should be more focused by promoting the use of Sphere Standards. Sphere’s indicators and guidance notes should be modified according to the context in which you are working. Activities such as training workshops help those doing humanitarian work to fully and properly use Sphere Minimum Standards as a tool for improving accountability and quality in humanitarian responses. Church World Service-Asia/Pacific, in collaboration with the Sphere Project, will offer a Sphere Training of Trainers (ToT) course in English. This call will be open globally; however, the priority will be for applicants from Asia/Pacific as it is a regional course.
C O UR S E O B J EC TI V E S
This course aims to prepare individuals to promote learning on applying the Sphere Handbook (entitled: Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response), as a tool for improving the quality and accountability of humanitarian action, through sharing experiences and practicing.
Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response
By the end of the course, you will be able to: • • • • • • • • Explain how to apply the Sphere Handbook as a tool for disaster response; Describe the structure and content of the Sphere Handbook; Explore the links between the Humanitarian Charter and humanitarian action; State the principles of adult learning and apply them to designing and running a Sphere learning event; Define content, and write aims and objectives for Sphere training workshops and field based training / learning events; Demonstrate a range of training and facilitation skills; Prepare for running a Sphere learning event in the field or for your organization, for other agencies, field based training, and learning events; Devise tools and techniques for assessing learning needs and for evaluating training.
I M P O R T A N T N O T E : The OBJECTIVE of this training IS NOT to thoroughly study the content of The Sphere Project or its Handbook, since participants are expected to have a good knowledge of and/or practical experience in Sphere prior to the start of the course.
H O W THE C O URS E W IL L BE RU N
We encourage effective learning and retention with a participant-led methodology. Each participant will deliver two training sessions: one short practice training session on their own, and one longer practice training session as part of a team. Some preparation time will be set aside during the course for the team training session. Video filming and constructive feedback will be the key to developing personal training and facilitation skills, in a safe environment. Methods will honor different learning: Methods will honor different learning preferences and include facilitated discussions, brainstorms, quizzes, case studies, individual study, role plays, free reflection time, guest speakers, group work and plenty of hands-on training practice. A pre-course assignment will be given. The agenda: • • • Sphere content sessions modeled by the training team; Participant-led sessions that use the Sphere training modules and technical chapters of the Sphere Handbook; Principles and methods of adult learning, training and facilitation skills, assessing learning needs and practical tips on running learning events.
A P PL ICA N T PR OFI L E
This course is for people who train or manage learning in the humanitarian sector. Priority is given to people based in countries that are vulnerable to disasters with a responsibility for training / learning within their job. Particular consideration is also given to people who would be in a position to significantly disseminate the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards. This is a training of TRAINERS course, so it is expected that participants will have plans to train others on Sphere.
SEL ECT I ON PR OC ESS
Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response
We strive to have a diversified group of participants balancing gender, organizational and geographical representation. Participant selection is based on a number of criteria: • • • • The candidate’s profile, examined through the application form and based on the requirements mentioned below; Potential of the applicant’s organizations (or of the individual, if applicant is an independent consultant) for further use and promotion of Sphere; Clear plan for future defined training/learning activities on Sphere to be implemented in the 6-12 coming months after the end of the course; Support of applicant from its supervisor or organization director by submitting a letter of endorsement explaining how the organization will support the applicant in the use and future implementation of what he/she has learned in the training. Note: If you are an independent consultant, please submit a letter of endorsement from an organization/institution interested in requesting your services as Sphere trainer alter the course. Eventually, a letter of support from an organization/person who knows the applicant in a professional capacity will also be accepted.
Additionally, selected applicants should have: • A regular training / learning function within their job, solid communication and presentation skills, strong training and facilitation skills; • Experience in field operations in response to disasters or in humanitarian assistance; • Know the Sphere Project and its Handbook, and/or have practical experience in its use in humanitarian assistance; • Proficiency in the language the course is delivered (English) is a must, multilingual ability is a plus. Please note that given the number of participant slots (24) selection is usually one candidate per organization. However, there may be exceptions depending on the range of applicants who meet the criteria for participation.
P RA C T IC AL I N F OR MA T I O N
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Dates: October 25 (at 3pm) to November 2 (at 3pm) - total: 9 days (8 nights) Location: Bangkok (main training venue will be one hour outskirt of Bangkok http://www.rosegardenriverside.com/), Thailand * Note that this is a residential course, with full-board, and participation for the full 9 days (staying in the hotel-venue) is mandatory. Also participants having their residences in the same city/country where the course will take place must stay in the hotel-venue with the rest of the group of participants. This is essential to provide the appropriate learning environment. Participation fees remain the same for all participants.
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Participation fees: USD 1,250 (registration fee USD 250, training fee USD 1,000)
Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response This subsidized fee covers instruction, materials, video equipment, venue costs, and accommodation (double occupancy – individual rooms possible for additional fees) for 8 nights, all meals and special events. *Important notes: - International transportation to and from your origin to Bangkok (meeting spot in Bangkok city on the first day) need to be arranged by the participants; - Participant fee must be deposited and received by CWS-A/P by October 5th, otherwise participation will be cancelled; - Reimbursements will not be made on cancellations after October 12th; - We regret NOT having funds for scholarships/grants to cover participation fees. If funding is an issue, we suggest contacting key organizations involved in disaster response and/or humanitarian action in your country to see if they could support you financially in case you were selected to participate.
L A NG UA GE
A high proficiency of English is required. CWS-A/P reserves the right to assess applicants’ language level during the selection process.
S U B MI S S I O N OF A P PL I CA TI O N S
Please complete the application form attached and send it to: takeshi@cwspa.org.pk, along with the letter of endorsement (see information on application form) by August 31st. ALL APPLICANTS will be informed about the decision by September 7th . If you haven’t received an answer after that date, please contact us. *Please make sure you include contact information (e-mail or phone number) you will have access to during those dates. Note: This information on the course, along with the application form, is also available in the website of the Sphere Project: www.sphereproject.org Contact Person: Takeshi Komino Head of Emergencies CWS-Asia/Pacific, Bangkok, Thailand E-mail: Takeshi@cwspa.org.pk Tel: +66-2-2146077 Fax: +66-2-2146078 Cell: +66-849-109-563
Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response
C A NC E LLA TI O N / P O ST P O N E M E N T
CWS-P/A reserves the right to cancel or postpone the training if circumstances require. Registered participants will be informed via phone call and emails. However, if the participant wishes to cancel the registration, he/she requires informing CWSP/A office at least three days in advance so that this opportunity can be provided to other potential applicants.
C H URC H W ORL D S E RV IC E - A SI A / PA CI F I C
Church World Service–Asia/Pacific (CWS-A/P) is a regional program of Church World Service Inc. established in 1948 – making it as one of the most experienced ecumenical agency in the Region. The aim of CWS-A/P is to address poverty issues of the most vulnerable and strengthening CWS relations and build/enhance human resource capacity in the region. This is done through closely knitted network of extensive partnerships and strong country offices deeply entrenched in their respective countries and local communities. The resources are strategically and systematically shared in tailor-made south to south-learning process that although CWS-A/P being regional in itself is yet a locally embedded organization that has the structure that opens up opportunities for partners and other stakeholders to have a greater degree of participation, learning, ownership and contribution to programs. CWS Asia/Pacific consisting of 7 experienced country offices1[1] and hundreds of local partners has developed an extensive range of expertise and skills from relief to development.
T H E S P HE R E P R OJ EC T
The Sphere Project was launched in 1997 by a group of humanitarian NGOs and the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement. Sphere is based on two core beliefs: first, that all possible steps should be taken to alleviate human suffering arising out of calamity and conflict, and second, that those affected by disaster have a right to life with dignity and therefore a right to assistance. The Sphere Handbook – Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response – includes a Humanitarian Charter which describes the rights of people affected by disaster, and minimum standards, indicators and guidance notes for use in humanitarian emergencies. There are minimum standards common to all sectors, as well as for the core areas of disaster response: Water, sanitation & hygiene promotion; Food security, nutrition & food aid; Shelter, settlement and non-food items; and Health services. The purpose of the standards is to improve the quality of assistance provided to people affected by disasters, and to enhance the accountability of the humanitarian system in disaster response. The revised, 2004 edition of the handbook is the product of 18 months’ work and the involvement of over 4,000 people in 400 organisations in 80 countries.
1[1] Afghanistan, Pakistan, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and East Timor
Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response D IS C L A I M E R CWS-A/P shall not be made liable for any damage, loss, illness, injuries or death that may occur to or be caused by the participants during the course of training or travel to and from the training venue.